cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• bright
• optimistic
• cheery
• sunny
• upbeat
• smiling
• buoyant

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

The pet supplement space is crowded with options, many of which have cheerful packaging and confident claims, yet little transparency about efficacy. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Christina Duarte, 43, is cheerful with long brown hair. —Jessica Meszaros, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

The cheerful blooms, which come in colors from red, yellow, and orange to purple and white, make great cut flowers. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

Part of Seo Vin’s preparations for the debut has included researching how to show serious and charismatic expressions that contrast with her naturally cheerful attitude, in hopes fans will appreciate her diverse facial expressions. —Sara Smith, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheerful

• fearful
• tearful

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun